THE latest trend in cruising seems to be leaving no stone unturned, as exotic seas and distant ports, once the province of more specialized cruise lines, are now opening up to mass-market lines. Here, five ports to consider calling on in 2008.
1) DUBAI
Not ready to commit to Vegas-without-gambling?
See what all the fuss is about as part of a cruise itinerary that explores the Middle East, or as the beginning or end of a world cruise from Asia.
Go: Silversea offers several ways to incorporate Dubai into your travels this winter, with the emirate functioning both as a home base or a port of call.
2) TASMANIA
After you get to Sydney, keep going, and you’ll get to this Australian island that’s one of the last stops before Antarctica.
Go: Celebrity Mercury will be visiting Tasmania this winter on its Australia and New Zealand sailings.
3) MAURITIUS
The Caribbean? So last decade – why not do an island hop that includes Mauritius, Reunion, The Seychelles and Madagascar?
Go: This winter, Costa Marina will offer round-trips out of Port Louis, Mauritius. There’s even a stop in Kenya for safari. Prices are under $2,000 per person – a huge value for a very exotic trip. (Port Everglades to St Thomas this ain’t!)
4) SANYA, CHINA
See this gorgeous island before one more big luxury hotel opens (most brands are either there or on the way).
Go: Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas will visit from its home port in Hong Kong this winter. Hey, they’ve the Wynn in Macau and a Disneyland by the airport – why can’t HK be the new Port Liberty?
5) ST. PETERSBURG
Summer expeditions in Europe’s cooler, northern climes are now hot, hot, hot.
Go: Why not make the spanking new Carnival Splendor your transport to see the treasures of the Hermitage? (Hey – it’sa study in contrasts!)